Material feeding platform

ABSTRACT

An improved device for feeding materials to a working tool comprises a platform having linear and transverse guide means and biasing means for urging the platform toward a working tool. These means are attached to the platform underside whereby the upper side of the platform is unencumbered and on which upper side materials to be worked or shaped are attached or secured. In one embodiment transverse motion of the platform is provided by guide means extending perpendicular to the normal axis of the linear guide means; in a second embodiment eccentric or oscillating motion is provided by a plurality of discs incorporating offset spindles.

1451 Apr. 2, 1974 1 MATERIAL FEEDING PLATFORM [76] Inventor: Friedrich Peter Schell, 4313 San Bernardino Ave., Las Vegas, Nev. 89102 [22] Filed: May 8, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 358,448

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 198,727, Nov. 15, 1971,

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 144/323, 144/l44.5, 144/145 R, 83/413, 90/l3.l [51] Int. Cl. B276 5/02 [58] Field of Search... 144/144, 143, 145 R, 145 A, 144/323, 144.5; 83/413, 565, 431; 90/13.1,

[56] I References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,442,309 5/1969 Jentsch 83/413 X 3,251,157 5/1966 Clark, Jr. 51/225 X 3,230,810 1/1966 Kihlstrom et al. 83/413 X 2,829,564 4/1958 Onsrud 90/l3.5 1,275,160 8/1918 Emery 144/145 A Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz Assistant Examiner-W. D. Bray Attorney, Agent, or FirmJerry R. Seiler [57] ABSTRACT An improved device for feeding materials to a working tool comprises a platform having linear and transverse guide means and biasing means for urging the platform toward a working tool. These means are attached to the platform underside whereby the upper side of the platform is unencumbered and on which upper side materials to be worked or shaped are attached or secured. in one embodiment transverse motion of the platform is provided by guide means extending perpendicular to the normal axis of the linear guide means; in a second embodiment eccentric or oscillating motion is provided by a plurality of discs incorporating offset spindlesv 12 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures I 1:7 ,w an 79b 77b 60 65 so s4 s5 74 78 II mmrmm 2:914 3.800.842

sum 1 BF 4 I5 24 l2 I4 28 INVENTOR. FRIEDRICH PETER SCH ELL ATTORNEY MENTEBAPR 2mm 3800.842

sum 2 or 4 FIG. 8

INVENTOR. FRIEDRICH PETER S C HELL ATTORNEY PATENTEBAPR 21914 3.800.842

sum 3 or 4 so 51 52 54 5s 56 INVENTOR. FRIEDRICH PETER SCH ELL BYAMRSQLQOA.

ATTORNEY PATENTEI] APR 2 I974 sum u or 4 FIG. 9

INVENTOR. FRIEDRICH PETER SCHELL MATERIAL FEEDING PLATFORM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 198,727, filed Nov. 15, 1971 now abandoned.

A number of devices exist for shaping wood and other materials. Although certain of such devices are relatively simple in design, those which are presently available for reproducing various shapes on materials from a template or other predetermined shape are rather complex and expensive. These latter devices are known in the art as profilers or shapers which incorporate a rotating table to which table a template or other shaped piece of material is attached. A shaping tool extends downwardly from an overarm and follows the edge profile of the template and as the table rotates, the shaping tool reproduces the template profile on a material workpiece. Even more sophisticated shaping devices incorporate electronic, computer or tape command means in lieu of a template.

There are a number of problems and disadvantages associated with such prior art devices. A major and important problem is that an operator is required to be near the cutting or shaping tool which close proximity increases the danger of accidental injury to the operator. Injury may result from direct contact of a finger or hand with the cutting tool or the operator may be injured by a piece of cut material propelled by the shaping tool.

Another major disadvantage is in the limitation of the size of the workpiece which may be handled by the particular device. Such a limitation is generally inherent in the apparatus itself because of the various support means present for either the table or the shaping tool. For example, even very expensive shaping or profiling apparatus incorporate a massive side column and an overarm from which the shaping tool or tools extend. Since the overarm and column are fixedly attached to a floor stand or lower frame member to which the table is also attached, there is a limited distance between the table and the column which distance dictates the size of the material workpiece which can be shaped. A further disadvantage is that in order to change the template, or remove the finished workpiece, the device must be stopped thereby significantly showing the operation.

In addition, such equipment which may be over engineered and unnecessarily complex for many operations is also undesirable from a cost standpoint and requires rather expensive maintenance costs. Where computer or tape reader control systems are utilized, cost and maintenance disadvantages are magnified. Further, once such equipment is placed, because of the weight of the apparatus, sometimes in excess of 20,000 pounds. relocation of the apparatus is obviously difficult.

An additional disadvantage in prior art devices of the type of above described is in the limitation of the type of shaping, cutting or working tools or head assemblies which can be attached. Although such a device may utilize router bits or similar cutting means interchangeably, they are generally unsuitable for sanding, planing, painting or polishing. In other words, once the material workpiece is initially shaped, it must be finished by removing it from the apparatus and working it with independent units which the initial shaping or profiling apparatus is incapable of incorporating.

In my co-pending application Ser. No. 129,507, filed Mar. 30, 1971 there is described a device for feeding material to be shaped to a shaping or working tool comprising a rotatable platform having biasing means which constantly urge the platform toward the shaping tool. The device also utilizes a means for providing reciprocating movement to the rotating platform which cooperates with the biasing means so that in addition to the rotation, the platform moves back and forth along a shaft or other guide member or members. The platform described therein also has attached thereto a material workpiece which is to be shaped and a shaped article or surface, the latter acting as a template which is maintained in abutment with a guide member fixedly positioned with respect to the shaping or working tool. For example, where the guide member is attached to the working tool, the platform maintains the shaped surface to be reproduced on the material workpiece against the guide member because of the constant urging of the biasing means, and the platform rotates concentrically so that the material workpieces attached to the platform are fed to the shaping tool.

Although the device described in my co-pending application offers a number of significant advantages over prior art devices, it is limited in the respect that it is not generally suitable for certain assembly line-type operations since the platform is located on a frame structure usually stationed at one location. Although this feature may be quite useful and desirable in rather small shops whereby a number of working tools can be stationed around a single or individual concentrically rotating platforms, where working tools stationed in a row-like sequence, for example, along a wall or other assembly line-type of operation, the previous device will not be generally suitable unless a number of individual platforms are used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is to the obviation of the above-noted limitations that the device of the present invention is directed. The present invention utilizes a platform concept for attaching a material workpiece to be shaped or otherwise acted upon by a working or shaping tool which platform also has attached thereto or otherwise cooperating therewith a shaped article or template which shape is to be copied on the material workpiece. The platform is unencumbered on its upper side except for the material workpiece and shaped article while its underside is provided with guide means for linear and transverse guidance. The linear guide means may include rollers and supports therefor which travel along a linear track and guide shafts or other similar members cooperating therewith.

In a first embodiment, transverse motion is provided to the platform by guide shafts cooperating with journaled bearing sleeves attached to the platform underside which shafts extend transversely or perpendicular to the normal linear travel of the platform. In a second embodiment, the transverse movement of the platform is not limited perpendicular to the linear platform travel and instead is eccentric. The eccentric or oscillating-type motion is provided by a plurality of discs each having a center spindle and an offset spindle, one of which spindles is attached to the platform and the other of which is attached to a platform support which moves only linearly. Biasing means such as a spring or the like constantly urges the platform towards a shaping tool, which too] is provided with a fixed guide member so that the shaped article will be maintained in abutment with the guide member. Specific charactersitics as well as the advantages of such devices of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial detailed perspective view illustrating an indexing feature of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing another feature of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view illustrating a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the underside of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detailed partial perspective view illustrating still another feature of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial detailed perspective view illustrating yet another feature of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view illustrating the eccentric motion of the device of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a multiple head shaping tool utilizing the device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a platform 10 having attached thereto a plurality of material workpieces 12, 12a and 12b. The material workpieces are attached to the platform upperside by clamps 15. Any suitable clamping device may be used to secure the workpieces to the platform 10. Noting particularly FIG. 2, the platform 10 is guided along a generally linear path by rails 18 and 19 on which grooved wheels 26 roll. As shown, a pair of power driven cables 20 and 22 are connected to the platform and which cables provide the means for pulling the platform in either direction. However, the use of such cables is by way of example only and other equivalent platform drive means may be substituted. For example, a drive motor may be attached to the device utilizing cooperating gear or friction drive means instead. It should also be appreciated that the use of rails and grooved wheels is not particularly critical and instead other means for guiding the platform along the desired direction may be used such as drive shafts, grooves, rods and the like cooperating with guide sleeves, wheels, rollers, etc. the latter being attached to the underside of platform 10 to provide the desired guidance means.

In the particular device illustrated in FIG. 2, the wheels 26 are attached to the underside of platform 10 by axles 21 and legs 27 and which legs are each secured to a sleeve 23. Sleeves 23 are preferably provided with internal bearings or the like which will reduce friction and allow for easy movement thereof along front and rear transverse rods 36 and 37 respectively. The ends of the respective transverse rods 36 and 37 are each attached to a collar member 40 which member is secured to bracket 43 which, in turn, is attached to the underside of platform 10. Accordingly, platform 10 is free to move transversly as the secured rods 36 and 37 slide through sleeves 23.

A pair of springs 44 and 45 or other equivalent means are attached between post 48 and end brackets 41 and 42, the latter being secured to the underside of platform 10. Post 48 is secured to and extends from frame rods 30 each end of which rod is connected to front and rear cross members 32 and 33 respectively which are secured to and extend between legs 27 as shown. Accordingly, where no pressure or force is exerted against the side edges of platform 10, because of opposing springs 44 and 45, the platform will not be displaced transversely, and, assuming springs 44 and 45 to be of substantially equal length and tension characteristics, will be at reat approximately centrally over frame rod 30.

The described platform may be used in cooperation with a working or shaping tool to provide a variety of types of shaping or cutting operations on a material workpiece attached to the platform. For example, referring to FIG. 1 as the platform travels along rails 18 and 19, being pulled from left to right by cable 22, ma terial workpiece 12 may be cut by saw blade 28 and have a series of grooves 14 routed by router 24. This operation will occur by use of indexing means present along the side edge of the platform 10. Referring also to FIG. 3, edge 13 of platform 10 is provided with a series of notches 16 for receiving guide member 31. Guide member 31 is located on guide platform 38 which is secured in a fixed position relative to router arm 24 until guide member 31 becomes seated in a notch 13. As platform 10 moves along tackes 18 and 19, guide member 31 is maintained in constant abutment with edge 13 of platform 10 by spring 44 (see FIG. 2) which is being expanded as the guide member 31 pushes against the platform 10. In other words, in response to constant pressure from guide member 31 pushing against the edge of platform 10, the platform is displaced somewhat latterally but is constantly urged opposite from the direction of lateral displacement by expanded spring 44.

With material workpiece 12 attached to the upperside of the platform 10 and adjacent edge 13 thereof, as guide member 31 follows edge 13 and as the platform moves in the generally linear direction along the tracks it will be forced into an index notch 16. At that time, suitable electrical means responsive to the slight transverse movement of platform 10 toward guide member 31 will cause a drive means attached to cable 22 which is pulling the platform along the tracks to stop the further movement of the platform. Thereafter, once the platform has stopped, further responsive means such as switches or relays, within the skill of the art, and not further discussed in detail here, will actuate router arm 24 toward the platform so that the router bit 24a will cut and form a groove 14 in material workpiece 12. Once the desired groove is formed, router arm 24 will be retracted, the drive motor for pulling platform 10 again engaged and the platform pulled until the guide member 31 is again indexed or seated in a further notch 16.

The above described operation can be carried out automatically by suitable gears and electronic switches or, in the alternative, may be accomplished by an operator, in part or in whole. For example, in the latter case an operator may observe the indexing of guide member 31 within notch 16, turn off the drive motor for pulling the platform 10, start the router bit drive and manually push and retract the router arm 24 to form the desired groove. The extent of automatic operation will, of course, depend on the automation desired and the scope of the invention is not limited thereby.

As shown further in FIG. 3, guide member 31 is supported and attached to a support 38. The side edge 34 of support 38 is provided with an angled surface for contacting the corner of platform and acts as a guide surface which will abut the corner or edge of platform 10 until it meets guide member 31 as the platform travels in the generally linear direction along the tracks. However, such a feature may be modified as desired and is only exemplary of types of structures and characteristics acting in cooperation with guide member 31 for operating the device of the invention.

Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 4, a saw blade 28 is attached in fixed relation to a guide support member 17 having a forward guide surface 13 which acts as a guide along the side edge of platform 10. Again, platform 10 will be constantly urged toward guide surface 13 and in abutment thereto by the urging of one of the springs, depending on which side of the platform is being contacted by the guide surface. In FIG. 4, a material workpiece 12a is shown attached to platform 10 which is moving in a substantially linear direction so that a workpiece is approaching saw blades 28. In FIG. 1, the saw blade 28 is shown as having partially cut away a portion of the material workpiece 12 which extends over the edge of platform 10. The depth or extent of the cut made by the saw blade 28 depends on the distance between blade 28 and fixed guide surface 13 and, of course, the distance that the material workpiece extends over the edge of platform 10.

A further embodiment of a device according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown therein, platform 50 has a number of workpieces 53, 54 and 56 attached to the upper side thereof. Again, platform 50 is being pulled along from left to right by cable 22 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Workpieces 52 and 54 have been previously shaped along the edges thereof by cutting tool of the type shown in FIG. 7.

Observing also FIG. 6, showing the underside of platform 50 the device includes a platform support 60 to which are attached four brackets 71 and wheels 26 for guiding the platform along track 18. Since wheel 26 and bracket 71 are rigidly affixed to platform support 60, the latter will have substantially no lateral movement but will simply move along the tracks in a linear direction when pulled by cable 22.

Lateral displacement of platform 50 in response to pressure exerted at either side edge thereof is achieved by discs 72, 73 and 74 at one end as shown with similar discs one of which is shown as 72a at the other end. Each of the discs has a central or axial spindle 61 around which the respective discs rotate. Each axial spindle 61 is secured to the underside of platform 50. Each of the discs is also provided and cooperates with an offset spindle 77, 78 and 79 respectively which offset spindles extend through the platform support 60 as shown. A trio of discs and cooperating axial and offset spindles are also located at the opposite end of platform support 60, with offset spindles 77b, 78b and 79b shown extending through the platform support. It is understood that either all offset spindles may be attached to the platform support with all axial spindles attached to the platform, or vice versa, so long as the respective cooperating discs are free to rotate in response to pressure applied at the platform edge.

As pressure is applied to side edge 57 of platform 50, the platform itself will be displaced relative to platform support 60 by the rotating action of the discs 72 about their respective cooperating axial spindles and movement of the platform about the respective offset spindles. For example, when pressure is applied to side edge 57 of platform 50, the platform will become displaced since the offset spindles may freely rotate within the discs. Further, since the offset spindles are not aligned with the center of the respective discs, they will cause platform 50 to move in an eccentric manner because the discs are also free to rotate about the axial spindles. This feature is more readily appreciated by reference to FIG. 9. In that figure, two positions of platform 50 are shown, one as 50 and the other as 50a, the latter being shown in phantom. Accordingly, as pressure is applied to platform edge 57, each of the discs 72, 73 and 74 rotate about their respective axial spindles and accordingly offset spindles 77, 78 and 79 will also be displaced such that the platform 50 will be moved to a different position as shown for 50a and edge 57a. The moved positions of the offset spindles are also shown in phantom as 77a, 78a and 79a. The same disc rotation will occur at both platform ends simultaneously so that the movement of all discs will be substantially identical. Thus, in response to edge pressure on platform 50, it will be free to move eccentrically due to the movement of the discs about their spindles. It will also be appreciated that the extent of the platform movement will depend on both the size of the discs as well as the distance between the offset spindles and center spindles on each disc. It will also be understood that in order for this movement to occur, the distance between the center and offset spindles on each disc must be substantially identical.

The biasing means for centrally positioning platform 50 relative to platform support 60 where no edge pressure is being exerted as well as to urge the platform edge against a guide member is similar to that described in relation to the device shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, observing FIG. 6, platform support 60 is provided, on its underside, with a center bracket 68 having a pair of springs 64 and attached thereto the other end of which springs are attached to brackets 62 and 63 fixed to the underside of platform 50. Thus, as pressure is placed against edge 57 of platform 50, the platform will be displaced laterally through movement of the discs and spindles shown so that spring 64 will become expanded but will tend to continually urge platform 50 against the guide member which abuts edge 57. Likewise, pressure against the opposite side edge of platform 50 will give the same effect but instead of spring 65 will be somewhat expanded.

Observing FIGS. 7 and 8 there are shown cutting tools and guide means for shaping material workpieces. For example, material workpiece 52 attached to platform 50 is cut by cutting tool 67 in the profile of edge 57 which abuts guide member 66. Again, guide member 66 will constantly abut edge 57 because the springs attached to the underside of platform 50 (FIG. 6) will urge the platform against the guide member. At the same time, as the platform is directed along the tracks, its movement will cause material workpiece 52 to be urged into cutting tool 67 whereby the profile shaping will occur.

Observing also FIG. 8, stationary cutting arm 58 and guide member 55 will follow the profile of platform edge 57. Thus, as platform 50 is moved along in its linear travel, attached material workpiece 56 will also be moved and edge 57 profile shape will be reproduced as a groove 53 by the action of router 56. Again, edge 57 will be maintained in abuttment with guide member 55 by the biasing means attached to the underside of the platform which constantly urges edge 57 against guide member 55.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there shown a partial view of a number of shaping or routing tools extending from a plurality of arms 84. A plurality of material workpieces 87 and 88 are secured to platform 80 which workpieces are to have cut therein the patterns of template 86. In the device shown, guide pin 89 follows the patterns within template 36. Platform 80 will utilize the same biasing means and eccentric motion discs and spindles shown in FIG. 6. In operation, platform 80 will travel along an assembly line apparatus, aportion of which is shown, until it reaches the desired location relative to the router tool station. The operator may then stop the moving platform 80 by suitable means or such stoppage may occur automatically in response to electrical switches along the assembly line apparatus. It will be noted that supports 85 include underhanging V- shaped tracks 88 which travel along journaled bearings 83 grooved for the tracks. However, such guidance means for the platform are not critical and other within the skill of the art may be substituted for those shown, which are by way of example only. Once platform 80 has stopped in place, the operator will lower the bank of router tools (or other working tools as desired) by foot plate 90 which is mechanically attached to the support arm 92. He may then grasp handle 82 and move platform 80 so that guide pin 89 will follow the outline of patterns within template 86 to be copied on the other material workpieces. Since the movement of platform 80 may be in any desired direction because of the eccentric type movement provided by the means as shown in FIG. 6, the reproduction of the desired pattern can be readily accomplished on the workpieces. Once the operation is finished, the operator will depress the foot plate 90 thereby elevating support arm 92 and the working tools attached thereto whereupon drive means for further directing the platform to another working station may be engaged.

It will be appreciated that a variety of shaping or working tools, cutting tools as well as any other assembly devices may be utilized along a production line type apparatus and including a platform having the biasing and guidance means disclosed herein. Although the invention has particularly been described utilizing a platform edge pattern or profile to be reproduced on a material workpiece, it is not to be so limited. The shaped profile or pattern may actually be located anywhere on the platform assembly or cooperating therewith so long as it is contacted by a guide means cooperating with a working tool. Thus, for example, a template may be located underneath the platform, on the side opposite the cutting tool or need not be attached to the platform device. These as well as other modifications within the purview of the invention and advantages thereof will be evident to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for directing material workpieces to a working tool comprising:

a. an upper platform having a top surface for securing material workpieces thereto and guide means for guiding said platform laterally relative to a platform support;

b. a platform support secured to the underside of said platform and having means for directing said platform along a linear guide track;

c. drive means for advancing said platform and platform support along a substantially linear guide track;

d. a linear guide track extending along a direction of the central axis of said platform; and

e. biasing means attached to and between said platform and platform support for urging said platform laterally relative to said guide track toward a working tool and guide member secured at fixed position relative to said tool.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a pair of springs extending laterally relative to said guide track and having adjacent ends commonly secured to said platform support and opposite ends secured to said platform whereby said springs cooperate to urge the center axis of said platform along the linear guide track to be approximately aligned with the center axis of said platform support when said platform is not laterally displaced.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said platform includes a shaped surface secured thereto.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said shaped surface comprises the side edge of said platform.

5. An apparatus for directing material workpieces to a working tool comprising:

a. an upper platform having a top surface for securing material workpieces thereto and guide means for guiding said platform laterally relative to a platform support wherein said guide means comprises a plurality of rotatable discs located between said platform and platform support each of which discs have a central spindle about which said discs may rotate which central spindle is attached to either said platform or said platform support and an offset spindle attached to the other of said platform or said platform support to which said central spindle is not attached, whereby said platform may be cccentrically displaced laterally relative to said platform support;

b. a platform support secured to the underside of said platform and having means for directing said platform along a linear guide track;

c. drive means for advancing said platform and platform support along a substantially linear guide track;

d. a linear guide track extending along a direction of the central axis of said platform; and

e. biasing means attached to and between said platform and platform support for urging said platform laterally relative to said guide track.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said offset spindles are each offset equally relative to a central spindle of each of said discs.

7. In combination, the apparatus of claim 3, a guide member secured at a fixed position relative to a stationary working tool and maintained in abuttment with said shaped surface by said biasing means, and a stationary working too] for shaping said material workpiece to the shape of said shaped surface.

8. The apparatus of claim wherein said platform includes a shaped surface secured thereto.

9. A method of shaping a material workpiece utilizing the apparatus of claim 7 comprising advancing said platform along said guide track and maintaining said guide member in abutment with said shaped surface while said working tool acts on said material workpiece.

10. A method of shaping a material workpiece utilizing the apparatus of claim 8 comprising advancing said platform along said guide track and maintaining said guide member in abutment with said shaped surface while said working tool acts on said material workpiece.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said biasing means urges said platform toward a working tool and a guide member secured at a fixed position relative to said tool.

12. In combination, the apparatus of claim 8, a guide member secured at a fixed position relative to a working tool and maintained in abuttment with said shaped surface by said biasing means, and a working tool for shaping a material workpiece to the shape of said shaped surface. 

1. An apparatus for directing material workpieces to a working tool comprising: a. an upper platform having a top surface for securing material workpieces thereto and guide means for guiding said platform laterally relative to a platform support; b. a platform support secured to the underside of said platform and having means for directing said platform along a linear guide track; c. drive means for advancing said platform and platform support along a substantially linear guide track; d. a linear guide track extending along a direction of the central axis of said platform; and e. biasing means attached to and between said platform and platform support for urging said platform laterally relative to said guide track toward a working tool and guide member secured at fixed position relative to said tool.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said biasing means comprises a pair of springs extending laterally relative to said guide track and having adjacent ends commonly secured to said platform support and opposite ends secured to said platform whereby said springs cooperate to urge the center axis of said platform along the linear guide track to be approxi-mately aligned with the center axis of said platform support when said platform is not laterally displaced.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said platform includes a shaped surface secured thereto.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said shaped surface comprises the side edge of said platform.
 5. An apparatus for directing material workpieces to a working tool comprising: a. an upper platform having a top surface for securing material workpieces thereto and guide means for guiding said platform laterally relative to a platform support wherein said guide means comprises a plurality of rotatable discs located between said platform and platform support each of which discs have a central spindle about which said discs may rotate which central spindle is attached to either said platform or said platform support and an offset spindle attached to the other of said platform or said platform support to which said central spindle is not attached, whereby said platform may be eccentrically displaced laterally relative to said platform support; b. a platform support secured to the underside of said platform and having means for directing said platform along a linear guide track; c. drive means for advancing said platform and platform support along a substantially linear guide track; d. a linear guide track extending along a direction of the central axis of said platform; and e. biasing means attached to and between said platform and platform support for urging said platform laterally relatiVe to said guide track.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said offset spindles are each offset equally relative to a central spindle of each of said discs.
 7. In combination, the apparatus of claim 3, a guide member secured at a fixed position relative to a stationary working tool and maintained in abuttment with said shaped surface by said biasing means, and a stationary working tool for shaping said material workpiece to the shape of said shaped surface.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said platform includes a shaped surface secured thereto.
 9. A method of shaping a material workpiece utilizing the apparatus of claim 7 comprising advancing said platform along said guide track and maintaining said guide member in abutment with said shaped surface while said working tool acts on said material workpiece.
 10. A method of shaping a material workpiece utilizing the apparatus of claim 8 comprising advancing said platform along said guide track and maintaining said guide member in abutment with said shaped surface while said working tool acts on said material workpiece.
 11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said biasing means urges said platform toward a working tool and a guide member secured at a fixed position relative to said tool.
 12. In combination, the apparatus of claim 8, a guide member secured at a fixed position relative to a working tool and maintained in abuttment with said shaped surface by said biasing means, and a working tool for shaping a material workpiece to the shape of said shaped surface. 